Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Santa Barbara Blue’at Digging Dog

Rosemary

Studious Greeks twined Rosemary in their hair “for remembrance” before exams; the French burned it as an incense substitute in cathedrals. And of course, there’s the taste—pungent and aromatic, a pinch delivers a punch of flavor. The rugged, picturesque evergreens of this genus resemble short-needled pines studded with tiny blue orchids.

Rosemarys are never fussy, take heat and poor soil, are truly pest and deer resistant, and only improve with age. Good drainage is preferred.

Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Santa Barbara Blue’

A gift from our friend Jim Lockman, ‘Santa Barbara Blue’ seems to be known only in small gardening circles in California. Densely clustered needles lend a finely textured look to this upright evergreen with elegantly sweeping lower branches. The azure-blue flowers beautifully complement the concurrent blooms of Cistus ‘Red Eye’ and the deep green foliage contrasts strikingly with gray-leafed Teucrium fruticans (Select Form).

Customer Comment:

“My plants arrived from Digging Dog yesterday: healthy, large, beautifully packed, and on time. From the website to the customer service to the arrival of these lovely grasses, this has been a very satisfying experience. Although website ordering is easy, I encourage you to call your order in to benefit from the friendly and knowledgeable staff.”